Is Google Partner Status Worth It? A Google Ads Expert Weighs In

By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach

Are you a Google Ads practitioner wondering if attaining or maintaining Google Partner status is worth the effort? Or maybe you're just starting and curious about the benefits? This post will break down the Google Partner program, its requirements, and whether it's a worthwhile pursuit for Google Ads specialists.

We'll cover:

• The four requirements for achieving Google Partner status
• The pros and cons of becoming a Google Partner
• A Google Ads expert's perspective on the value of the program
• Tips for maintaining your Google Partner status

How do you become a Google Partner?

The Google Partner program has four main requirements:

1. Manager Account (MCC): You'll need a Manager Account (MCC) to house all the Google Ads accounts you manage. This is a free and essential tool for any serious Google Ads professional.
2. Certifications: Google requires specific Google Ads certifications, usually Search plus a combination of whichever campaign types are most used under your Manager account.
3. Spend: Your managed accounts must have a combined ad spend of at least $10,000 USD over the past 90 days. This translates to roughly $3,500 per month.
4. Performance: Google assesses performance based on an "optimization score" of at least 70% across your MCC. This score reflects how well you're following Google's recommendations for account optimization.

The Pros and Cons of Google Partner Status

Earning Google Partner status offers several potential benefits. It provides a recognized badge that can build trust with potential clients, signaling your expertise in Google Ads.

However, some Google Ads professionals choose not to pursue Partner status, arguing that their results speak for themselves. They might position their non-partner status as a sign of independent thinking and a focus on client ROI above all else.

A Google Ads Expert and Ex-Googler's Take

As a Google Ads expert and consultant, and ex-Googler, I've maintained Google Partner status since 2021. My philosophy is to work with Google's systems, not against them, to achieve the best results for my clients. Therefore, aligning with the Google Partner program makes sense for my brand.

In my experience, the effort required to obtain and maintain Partner status is minimal compared to the potential benefits. The certifications themselves are pretty harmless. The spend requirement is generally achievable for active Google Ads managers. And maintaining a 70% optimization score is simply good account hygiene.

If you're unsure whether to pursue Partner status, my advice is: go for it. The certifications are valuable in their own right, and the Partner badge can only help your credibility.

Maintaining Your Google Partner Status

Once you've achieved Google Partner status, it's essential to maintain it. This means keeping your certifications up-to-date and ensuring your managed accounts continue to meet the spend and performance requirements. Regularly reviewing your account optimization score and addressing any recommendations will help you stay in good standing.

Whether or not to pursue Google Partner status is a personal decision. However, for many Google Ads professionals, the benefits outweigh the costs. The certifications, the badge, and the access to resources can all contribute to building a successful Google Ads business.